CA2668593C - Water disinfection apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

There is described a water disinfection apparatus comprising a channel (10) for defining a flow of water; and plural ultraviolet light sources (20a-20j), each comprising an elongate ultraviolet lamp unit (40) comprising at least one ultraviolet bulb and defining an elongate lamp unit axis; and a microwave unit (30) comprising a microwave energy source for exciting said at least one ultraviolet bulb. In use, at least part of said elongate lamp unit encounters said flow of water and said elongate lamp unit axis is perpendicular to the flow of water.

Description

Water disinfection apparatus Technical Field The present invention is in the field of water disinfection apparatus, in which water to be disinfected (e.g. sterilised) flows past an ultraviolet (UV) light source.

Background to the Invention It is known to use ultraviolet (UV) radiation in disinfection systems for use in the cleaning up of water. The UV radiation acts to kill bacteria and germs.
Known systems employ microwave energy to excite the source of UV
radiation. One problem with such systems is that it is difficult to efficiently provide sufficient excitation energy to the UV source and difficult to effectively transfer that energy to the water to be treated. It is therefore difficult to arrange apparatus for high throughput industrial water treatment purposes.

There is now described a water disinfection apparatus that enables efficient, high throughput UV water disinfection treatment to be conducted. The apparatus comprises plural ultraviolet light sources, each of which comprises a UV lamp, which is excited by a microwave energy source; and a channel for channelling water past the UV lamp. The UV lamp is arranged perpendicular to the water flow, and is suitably enclosed by a waveguide comprising UV
transparent material.

The water disinfection apparatus of the present invention have been found to provide enhanced efficacy (e.g. enhanced water disinfecting capability) and lower operational costs.

Summary of the Invention According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a water disinfection apparatus comprising (a) a channel for defining a flow of water;

(b) plural ultraviolet light sources, each comprising (i) an elongate ultraviolet lamp unit comprising at least one ultraviolet bulb and defining an elongate lamp unit axis; and (ii) a microwave unit comprising a microwave energy source for exciting said at least one ultraviolet bulb, (c) one or more baffles for directing water flow to the elongate lamp unit, each baffle arranged in spaced fashion around the or each elongate lamp unit;

wherein in use, at least part of said elongate lamp unit encounters said flow of water and said elongate lamp unit axis is perpendicular to the flow of water.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a water disinfection apparatus comprising a channel for defining a flow of water;
plural ultraviolet light sources, each ultraviolet light source comprising: one or more elongate lamp units comprising at least one ultraviolet bulb and defining an elongate lamp unit axis, the lamp units perpendicular to the flow of water, the lamp units disposed vertically between an upper support plate and a lower support plate, wherein in use at least part of the elongate lamp unit encounters the flow of water; a quartz sleeve arranged to enclose the at least one ultraviolet bulb; and one or more microwave units comprising a microwave energy source for exciting the at least one ultraviolet bulb, wherein the one or more microwave units positioned on an upper surface of the upper support plate; and a cooling system for the lamp units, the cooling system comprising: a fan positioned above the upper support plate; an upper air box commonly shared among the one or more lamp units, the upper air box adapted to receive a feed of cooling air from the fan; a cylindrical air pipe for downwardly transporting the cold air feed from the common upper air box; and one or more lower air boxes adapted for receiving the cold air feed from the cylindrical air pipe, the one or more lower air boxes sealably coupled to the quartz sleeve enclosing the ultraviolet bulbs, each lower air box further adapted for upwardly transporting the cold air feed through the quartz sleeve enclosing the ultraviolet bulbs; wherein the upper support plate comprises the common upper air box and the lower support plate comprises at least one lower air box for each lamp unit.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of water disinfection comprising: placing a water disinfection apparatus in an open channel of water, the water disinfection apparatus comprising a lamp assembly, the lamp assembly further comprising; an upper support plate and a lower support plate; one or more elongate ultraviolet lamp units vertically disposed between the upper support plate and the lower support plate, each lamp unit comprising one or more ultraviolet bulbs; the upper support plate further comprising one or more microwave units, the one or more microwave units positioned on an upper surface of the upper support plate; an upper air box commonly shared by the one or more lamp units; and a cooling fan adapted to 2a provide a cold air feed to the common upper air box; and the lower support plate further comprising a lower air box for each lamp unit; and wherein in use the one or more lamp units are oriented vertically to a flow of water; directing the flow of water to the one or more lamp units, the water directed to the lamp units by one or more baffles positioned between the upper support plate and the lower support plate; and providing power to the microwave units to release microwave energy wherein the microwave energy excites the ultraviolet bulbs to emit ultraviolet radiation.

Detailed description of the invention There is provided an apparatus that is suitable for use in the disinfection of water by means of ultraviolet irradiation.

The apparatus comprises a channel, which in use, defines a flow of water to be treated. The channel may be defined by any suitable means, and is suitably open to the environment. In embodiments, the channel is defined by a ditch or trough arrangement, which is suitably comprised of concrete material. The water flow may be arranged to be pumped or to flow under gravity.

The apparatus comprises plural ultraviolet light sources.

Each of the plural ultraviolet light sources comprises (i) an elongate ultraviolet lamp unit comprising at least one ultraviolet bulb and defining an elongate lamp unit axis; and (ii) a microwave unit comprising a microwave energy source for exciting said at least one ultraviolet bulb.

The microwave energy source provides microwave energy to excite the ultraviolet bulb.
Suitably, the microwave energy source comprises a magnetron or other suitable microwave-producing device.

In embodiments, the microwave energy source provides a continuous (i.e. non-pulsed) stream of microwave energy.

In other embodiments, the microwave energy source provides pulsed microwave energy to excite the ultraviolet bulb. Suitably, the pulsed microwave energy source is pulsed with pulse widths ranging from 100 milliseconds to 0.5 microseconds, preferably from 10 milliseconds to microseconds. Suitably, the pulsed microwave energy source has a pulse period of from 100 milliseconds to 0.5 microseconds, preferably from 5 milliseconds to 50 microseconds.
Suitably, the pulsed microwave energy source is pulsed at a frequency of from 2 MHz to 10 Hz. Optimisation of both pulse width and pulse period is preferred.

In embodiments, the UV lamp may be excited by both a continuous (i.e. non-pulsed) microwave energy source and a pulsed microwave energy source. Suitably, the peak energy value of pulsed excitation is significantly higher than that of the peak energy value of continuous excitation. Typical peak energy ratios are from 1:10 to 1:100 for continuous:
pulsed energy levels. In one example, the lamp is excited at steady state by a continuous 100 :vatt energy source and pulsed at up to 3,000 watts by a pulsed excitation source.

In embodiments, the ultraviolet light source is arranged for the emission of either monochromatic or polychromatic ultraviolet radiation.

The dominant wavelength of the ultraviolet light source is selected according to the particular water disinfection application for which the light source is to be used. Typically, the dominant wavelength of the ultraviolet light source is from 160nm to 370nm.

In embodiments, the dominant wavelength of the ultraviolet light source is from 240nm to 310nm, particularly 254nm. Such wavelengths have been found to be particularly useful for water disinfection or purification applications.

The or each ultraviolet bulb has any suitable shape and size, but preferably has an elongate form such as a cylindrical form or cigar-shape. Typical bulb diameters are from 5 to 200mm, preferably from 10 to 40mm, for example 22mm.

In embodiments, the elongate ultraviolet lamp unit comprises plural ultraviolet bulbs. The ultraviolet bulbs may be similar in type e.g. of similar size and operating temperature or combinations of different bulb types may be employed. The number of ultraviolet bulbs employed is tailored to the purpose of use. Typically, the elongate ultraviolet lamp unit comprises from 2 to 25, preferably from 3 to 18 ultraviolet bulbs.

Various forms of arrangement of the plural ultraviolet bulbs are envisaged including random or informal arrangements, side-by-side arrangements, sequential arrangements, array arrangements and clusters. The ultraviolet bulbs may be arranged in serial, parallel or mixed serial and parallel electrical circuit arrangements. In embodiments, the plural ultraviolet bulbs are elongate and arranged in a side-by-side arrangement.

Suitably, the or each ultraviolet bulb has an operating temperature which maximises the chosen bulb characteristics. Typical operating temperatures are from 10 C to 900 C, for example 40 C to 200 C and the operating temperature will be selected and optimised according to the purpose of use.

In embodiments, the or each ultraviolet bulb has no electrode. That is to say it is an electrode-less bulb such as one comprising a partially evacuated tube comprising an element or mixtures of elements in vapour form. Mercury is a preferred element for this purpose, but alternatives include mixtures of inert gases with mercury compounds, sodium and sulphur. Halides, such as mercury halide are also suitable herein. Amalgams are also suitable herein including indium / mercury amalgam.

Inevitably, such electrode-less bulbs emit a spectrum of wavelengths, dependent on the chemical nature of the core element or elements.
Embodiments employing multiple lamps of different spectrum characteristics are envisaged herein.

Suitably, the peak operating energy of each ultraviolet bulb is from 100 watts to 100,000 watts, preferably from 500 watts to 30,000 watts.

In use, at least part of the elongate lamp unit encounters the flow of water.
In embodiments, none of the microwave unit encounters the flow of water. The microwave unit is suitably powered by a power source (e.g. battery or mains power source) and it is highly preferable that the flow of water does not contact the power source.

The elongate lamp unit axis is perpendicular to the flow of water, which generally flows horizontally in a direction defined by the channel. This contrasts with typical prior art arrangements, in which the flow of water is along the elongate lamp axis. Suitably, the elongate lamp unit axis is a vertical axis (i.e. vertically oriented). An advantage of such vertical orientation Is that the microwave unit and all electrical connections thereto including e.g. the power source may be positioned wholly above the water line such that In use, these do not encounter the flow of water.

In embodiments, the water disinfection apparatus herein is provided with one or more baffles for directing water flow to the or each elongate lamp unit.
The baffles may have any suitable size or shape. Suitably, the one or more baffles are arranged in spaced fashion (e.g. radially spaced) around the or each elongate lamp unit.

In embodiments, the baffles comprise elongate (e.g. elongate cylindrical) elements, and the elongate baffles are arranged parallel to the elongate lamp axis of each elongate lamp unit. Thus, when the or each elongate lamp unit is arranged vertically, the baffles are also arranged vertically.

Where the baffles are elongate cylindrical elements, the space within the cylinder may in embodiments, be used to provide other functions and/or house other elements of the apparatus herein. Thus, in embodiments one or more of the baffles comprise an air pipe element of an air cooling system herein (as described in more detail hereinafter). In other embodiments, one or more of the baffles houses a lead screw of a moveable wiper system herein (as described in more detail hereinafter).

In embodiments, the elongate ultraviolet lamp unit comprises an optically transparent waveguide for guiding microwave energy originating from the microwave energy source to the at least one ultraviolet bulb, wherein the waveguide wholly surrounds the at least one ultraviolet bulb.

Applicant's PCT Patent Applications No.s WO 00132244, WO 01/09924 and W003/021,632, I describe ultraviolet light sources in which an optically transparent waveguide wholly surrounds at least one ultraviolet bulb.

By optically transparent waveguide it is meant a waveguide that is substantially transparent to the ultraviolet radiation employed herein, typically having a transparency of greater than 50%, preferably greater than 90% to UV radiation.
The optically transparent waveguide controls the flow of ultraviolet radiation therefrom. The control function typically includes the prevention of the release of harmful or unnecessary ultraviolet radiation frequencies.

In embodiments, the optically transparent waveguide is provided with a sleeve (e.g. a quartz sleeve) and the material of that sleeve is selected to preferentially allow different wavelengths of UV radiation to escape. The exact nature of the optically transparent waveguide and its control function can be tailored to fit the purpose of use.

In embodiments, the waveguide controls the flow of microwave energy therefrom. Control of the microwave energy which passes through the waveguide is useful in embodiments of the invention which make use of both UV and microwave radiation.

In other embodiments, the waveguide blocks at least the majority of the flow of microwave energy therefrom.

In embodiments, the optically transparent waveguide comprises a sleeve comprised of quartz or a UV-transparent plastic material. In general, a sleeved waveguide will be cylindrical in form.

Different configurations of optically transparent waveguide and sleeve can be envisaged. In one aspect the optically transparent waveguide is rectangular in form and has a quartz sleeve provided therearound. In another aspect, the optically transparent waveguide is cylindrical in form (e.g. comprised of a metallic screen or mesh). Rectangular quartz-sleeved waveguides are in general more expensive than cylindrical mesh waveguides.

In embodiments, the optically transparent waveguide or any sleeve therefor is coated with a coating which assists in controlling the flow of ultraviolet and/or microwave energy therefrom. The coating may be applied to either or both of the inner or outer surfaces of the waveguide. Partial coatings are also envisaged.
In embodiments, the optically transparent waveguide or any sleeve therefor comprises a conducting material. The conducting material may be integral, or applied as an internal or external coating or liner. The liner may directly contact the inner surface of the optically transparent waveguide or be spaced therefrom.

In embodiments, any sleeve for the optically transparent waveguide and/or the ultraviolet bulb is coated with a coating that assists in modifying the wavelength of emitted light.

In other embodiments, the optically transparent waveguide is constructed to ensure control of the escape of microwave energy. For example, the waveguide can be adapted to include different hole-spacings, wire thicknesses and overall configurations.

In embodiments, the waveguide comprises a conducting mesh. Preferably, the conducting mesh comprises a high frequency conducting material selected from the group consisting of copper, aluminium and stainless steel.

In embodiments, the elongate ultraviolet lamp unit is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet arranged for directing an air flow from said air inlet to said air outlet and past the at least one ultraviolet bulb. The air flow is typically arranged for cooling of the ultraviolet bulbs in use to achieve a more constant operating temperature.

The Applicant has found that the use of such an air cooling system is particularly important for open channel systems in which the water level (i.e.
the level of the water flow) may vary over any usage period with the effect that the length of elongate ultraviolet lamp unit that encounters the water flow also varies. The water flow has a cooling effect on the elongate ultraviolet lamp unit, and in the absence of a cooling air flow, this water cooling effect will also vary over time, which can lead to problems of lamp over-heating when water flow levels are low. The air flow provides for cooling, and hence more constant lamp operating temperature, even when water flow levels are low.

In embodiments, the water disinfection apparatus additionally comprises an air pump unit for pumping air to said air inlet of the elongate ultraviolet lamp unit to define a cooling air flow past the at least one ultraviolet bulb.

In other embodiments, the water disinfection apparatus additionally comprises an air convector unit to define a cooling convection air flow past the at least one ultraviolet bulb.

In embodiments, the water disinfection apparatus comprises at least one ultraviolet light source assembly unit, each assembly unit comprising an assembly of said plural ultraviolet light sources. Suitably, each ultraviolet light source assembly unit comprises from two to six (e.g. four) ultraviolet light sources.

In embodiments, the water disinfection apparatus comprises plural ultraviolet light source assembly units arranged in series along the direction of the flow of water. The apparatus may therefore be supplied and employed in modular fashion with different numbers and arrangements of (modular) assembly units employed depending upon the desired operating characteristics and water flow.

In embodiments, the water disinfection apparatus additionally comprises a cleaning system for cleaning the elongate ultraviolet lamp unit. Suitable cleaning systems include those based upon fluid flow, such as flow of water, air or gas. Cleaning agents such as detergents may be employed as necessary.

In embodiments, the cleaning system includes a wiper movable along the or each elongate ultraviolet lamp unit. The wiper may for example, be provided with a wiping brush surface such as one comprised of stainless steel brush elements. Where the apparatus has vertically oriented elongate ultraviolet lamp units the wiper is suitably movable to a 'parking' position, in which it rests above the water line and therefore cannot be fouled by anything in the flow of water when in that 'parking' position.

In embodiments, the ultraviolet light source additionally comprises a pathguide to guide the microwave energy from the microwave energy source to the ultraviolet bulb. In one embodiment, the pathguide defines an essentially linear path for the microwave energy. In another embodiment, the pathguide defines a non-linear path such as a path defining an angle, such as a right angle. In embodiments, the pathguide comprises a coaxial cable.

The choice of materials for use in the water disinfection apparatus and in any fluid flow piping arrangements can be important. Typically, the materials will be selected which are resistant to corrosion and which do not leach contaminants to the system. Seal materials are also carefully selected with typical seal materials including Chemraz (trade name), Teflon (trade name), encapsulated Viton (trade name) and GORE-TEX (trade name).

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of use of the water disinfection apparatus described herein for disinfecting a water-containing liquid. Suitably, the water-containing liquid is selected from the group consisting of water for human consumption, waste water and sewage water One particular application is in the clean up of ballast seawater from the holds of ships wherein contaminants in the ballast water are dissociated by application of ultraviolet radiation.

Another particular application is in the dissociation of organic material, such as Total Oxidisable Carbon (TOC) in rinse water for use in the electronics, semiconductors pharmaceuticals, beverage, cosmetics and power industries.
The process involves the production of OH= radicals which oxidise any hydrocarbon molecules in the rinse water. Optionally, other oxidants may be employed such as ozone and hydrogen peroxide. Typically, polishing deionisation beds, featuring nuclear-grade resin materials are placed downstream of the TOC reduction units to remove any ionised species and restore the resitivity of the water.

Brief description of the drawings Preferred embodiments of the ultraviolet light source in accord with the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a water disinfection apparatus herein;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a schematic representation of an elongate ultraviolet light unit of an ultraviolet light source suitable for use with a water disinfection apparatus herein;

Figures 3a to 3c show perspective view from the front, back and side of an ultraviolet light source suitable for use with a water disinfection apparatus herein;

Figure 4a shows a plan view from the front of an ultraviolet light source of Figures 3a to 3c;

Figure 4b shows a cross-sectional view of the ultraviolet light source of Figure 3b taken along Section A-A of Figure 4a;

Figures 5a and 5b show flow diagrams of water flow past a water disinfection apparatus herein.

Detailed description of the drawings The present invention is now described by means of examples, which constitute possible embodiments of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a water disinfection apparatus herein comprising a water channel 10 defined by a concrete ditch 12 for directing a flow of water to be treated. The walls of the concrete ditch define ledges 13, 14, and the ditch 12 is arranged for receipt of a series arrangement of ten ultraviolet light source assembly units 20a-20j there along.

Each of the ultraviolet light source assembly units 20a-20j (only one labelled in detail) comprises a microwave assembly unit 30, which contacts ledges 13, 14 and lies above the water channel 10; and an elongate ultraviolet lamp assembly unit 40, which extends vertically down into the water channel 10.
Each microwave assembly unit 30 is provided with a removable cover 32.

In use, a flow of water to be treated is directed along the water channel 10.
It may therefore be appreciated that at least part of the elongate lamp assembly unit 40 will encounter the flow of water for treatment thereof with ultraviolet radiation, and also that the microwave assembly unit 30 will not encounter the flow of water.

A better understanding of the detailed structure of each ultraviolet light source assembly unit 20a to 20j may be obtained by reference to Figures 3a to 4b, which show various views of a suitable ultraviolet light source assembly unit differing only from those shown in Figure 1 in that the cover 32 has been removed to show the inner details of the microwave assembly unit 30.

A better understanding of one elongate ultraviolet lamp unit 41 of the elongate ultraviolet lamp assembly unit 40 of each ultraviolet light source of Figures and 3a to 4b may be had by reference to Figure 2, which is now described in more detail.

Thus, referring to Figure 2 the elongate ultraviolet lamp unit 41 may be seen in use, to be partly submerged in a flow of water 16 defined by the concrete ditch 12. Each lamp unit 41 comprises a cluster of electrodeless ultraviolet bulbs arranged in side-by-side fashion and defining a vertical elongate lamp unit axis 43. The cluster of bulbs 42 is wholly surrounded by a stainless steel mesh 50, which defines a waveguide for guiding microwave energy to the bulbs 42 from a microwave energy source (not shown in Figure 2). The stainless steel mesh waveguide 50 itself, is formed on the inner surface of a ultraviolet transparent quartz sleeve 44, which wholly surrounds the bulbs 42 and acts as a housing for both the bulbs 42 and waveguide 50. In use, the bulbs 42 are excited by microwave energy directed thereto by the waveguide 50 to emit ultraviolet radiation, which radiates out through the quartz sleeve 44 to irradiate, and hence disinfect the water 16 flowing past.

Applicant has found that is advantageous to provide an air cooling system to each lamp unit 41 such that controlled operating temperatures for the bulbs 42 may be maintained across varying levels of water flow 16. Thus, the base of the quartz sleeve 44 connects via seal assembly 46 to a lower air box 60 that is arranged to be individual to that lamp unit 41. The lower air box 60 receives a feed of cooling air through pipe 62, which in turn is fed (via common upper air box 66) by cooling fan 64 that draws air from the atmosphere. The lower air box 60 in turn, feeds cooling air upwards through the quartz sleeve 44 past the bulbs 42 to common upper air box 66, which ultimately expels the air to atmosphere through exhaust vent 68. In embodiments, the pipe 62 and any other parts of the air cooling system may be provided with baffles, valves and other air control equipment (not shown) as are necessary to achieve a cooling air flow in a controlled fashion. Electronic control systems are also envisaged.
Referring now to Figures 3a to 4b, there is shown an ultraviolet light source assembly unit 20 comprising a framework defining an upper support plate 22 and a lower support plate 24 with cylindrical comer support struts 26 and half-cylindrical edge support struts 27 therebetween. The support struts 26, 27 are positioned to act as baffles to direct the water flow (as will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 5a and 5b). The upper support plate 22 acts to support a microwave unit assembly 30 comprising four microwave units 31 a-31 d arranged in linear series, and each comprising a magnetron as a microwave energy source. Between the upper 22 and lower 24 support plates is provided an elongate ultraviolet lamp assembly unit 40 comprising a corresponding linear series of four elongate lamp units 41 a-d. Each lamp unit 41 has the detailed structure as previously described in relation to Figure 2.
Each lamp unit 41 is also received by wiper plate 70, which is arranged to move up and down the outside of the each lamp unit 41 for cleaning thereof.
The wiper action is described in more detail hereinafter.

The upper support plate 22 may also be seen to support cooling fan 64, and the exhaust vent 68 of certain of the lamp units 41 is also visible. It will be appreciated that the microwave unit assembly 30 will be arranged for connection to a power source (e.g. mains or battery-powered). As may be seen in Figure 3c, the upper support plate 22 also carries the upper common air box 66 and the lower support plate 24 carries individual lower air boxes 60a-60d for each lamp unit 41. Cooling cylindrical air pipe work 62 is also visible (only one pipe 62 is labelled, for clarity). The cylindrical air pipes 62 are positioned to act as baffles to direct the water flow (as will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 5a and 5b).

Referring now to Figures 4a and 4b, further details of each ultraviolet light source assembly unit 20 may be appreciated. Thus each lamp unit 41 (only one of four, labelled for clarity) comprises ultraviolet transparent quartz sleeve 44 housing, which has stainless steel waveguide 50 provided to its inner surface, and acts to house a cluster of four elongate bulbs 42 arranged around elongate bulb axis 43. Each lamp unit 41 is received within circular opening of wiper plate 70, wherein each circular opening 72 has stainless steel brush elements provided circumferential thereto. The wiper plate 72 may be moved up and down all of the four lamp units 41 for cleaning of the outer surface of the quartz sleeve housings 44 thereof. Movement of the wiper plate 72 is motor-driven and electromagnetically controlled and in particular under the action of wiper lead screw 74 housed within one air pipe 62 and wiper proximity switch magnet 76. It may also be appreciated that the air pipes 62 perform a dual function by acting as both components of the air cooling system (as already described) and as guides for the movable wiper plate 72.

In a typical usage scenario herein, water 16 flows through the concrete ditch past the series arrangement of ultraviolet light source assembly units 20a-20j.
Each ultraviolet lamp unit 41 receives microwave energy from its microwave energy unit to excite the bulbs 42 thereof to irradiate the water 16 flowing past and thereby acts to disinfect it. The cooling air system is used to prevent the bulbs 42 from over-heating, and its operation is typically controlled by an electronic control system, which continuously monitors the temperature within each lamp unit 41. Periodically, the wiper plate 70 is moved up and down each lamp unit 41 to clean the surface thereof. When not in use, the wiper plate 70 is held above the water line to prevent fouling thereof.

Applicant has found that it is advantageous to employ one or more baffles 26, 62 to direct water flow to each elongate lamp unit 41. Figure 5a shows the water flow diagram obtained when water flows past a series of ultraviolet light sources assembly units 20a-c herein. Figure 5b shows in more detail the water flow diagram obtained when water flows past one of the ultraviolet light sources assembly units 20a. Thus, the baffle action of the cylindrical comer support struts 26, half-cylindrical side support struts 27 and cylindrical air pipes 62 (only one labelled, for clarity) is to direct the water flow around the lamp unit 41.

Claims (20)

1. A water disinfection apparatus comprising a channel for defining a flow of water;
plural ultraviolet light sources, each ultraviolet light source comprising:
one or more elongate lamp units comprising at least one ultraviolet bulb and defining an elongate lamp unit axis, the lamp units perpendicular to the flow of water, the lamp units disposed vertically between an upper support plate and a lower support plate, wherein in use at least part of the elongate lamp unit encounters the flow of water;
a quartz sleeve arranged to enclose the at least one ultraviolet bulb; and one or more microwave units comprising a microwave energy source for exciting the at least one ultraviolet bulb, wherein the one or more microwave units positioned on an upper surface of the upper support plate; and a cooling system for the lamp units, the cooling system comprising:
a fan positioned above the upper support plate;
an upper air box commonly shared among the one or more lamp units, the upper air box adapted to receive a feed of cooling air from the fan;
a cylindrical air pipe for downwardly transporting the cold air feed from the common upper air box; and one or more lower air boxes adapted for receiving the cold air feed from the cylindrical air pipe, the one or more lower air boxes sealably coupled to the quartz sleeve enclosing the ultraviolet bulbs, each lower air box further adapted for upwardly transporting the cold air feed through the quartz sleeve enclosing the ultraviolet bulbs;

wherein the upper support plate comprises the common upper air box and the lower support plate comprises the one or more lower air boxes.

2. The water disinfection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the quartz sleeve enclosing the ultraviolet bulbs directs the cold air feed from the one or more lower air boxes to the common upper air box.

3. The water disinfection apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an exhaust vent positioned on the upper surface of the upper support plate, the exhaust vent connected to the common upper air box.

4. The water disinfection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical air pipe is arranged in between the upper support plate and the lower support plate.

5. The water disinfection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical air pipe further comprises baffles and valves, the baffles and valves adapted to control the cold air feed.

6. The water disinfection apparatus of claim 1, further comprising electronic control systems for controlling the cold air feed.

7. The water disinfection apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more support struts positioned between the upper support and the lower support plate.

8. The water disinfection apparatus of claim 7, wherein the support struts further comprise one or more cylindrical corner support struts and one or more half-cylindrical edge support struts.

9. The water disinfection apparatus of claim 7, wherein the support struts are positioned to act as baffles for directing a flow of water to the lamp unit.

10. The water disinfection apparatus of claim 1, wherein each lamp unit further comprises a wiper plate.

11. The water disinfection apparatus of claim 1, wherein each lamp unit comprises an optically transparent waveguide for guiding microwave energy to the one or more ultraviolet bulbs, the waveguide enclosing the one or more ultraviolet bulb.

12. The water disinfection apparatus of claim 11, wherein the waveguide is located on an inside surface of the quartz sleeve.

13. The water disinfection apparatus of claim 11, wherein the waveguide further comprises a conducting mesh.

14. The water disinfection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the dominant wavelength of the one or more lamp units is from 160 to 370 nm.

15. The water disinfection apparatus of claim 1, wherein in use the microwave units are positioned above the flow of water.

16. A method of water disinfection comprising:

placing a water disinfection apparatus in an open channel of water, the water disinfection apparatus comprising a lamp assembly, the lamp assembly further comprising; an upper support plate and a lower support plate; one or more elongate ultraviolet lamp units vertically disposed between the upper support plate and the lower support plate, each lamp unit comprising one or more ultraviolet bulbs; the upper support plate further comprising one or more microwave units, the one or more microwave units positioned on an upper surface of the upper support plate; an upper air box commonly shared by the one or more lamp units; and a cooling fan adapted to provide a cold air feed to the common upper air box; and the lower support plate further comprising a lower air box for each lamp unit;
and wherein in use the one or more lamp units are oriented vertically to a flow of water;
directing the flow of water to the one or more lamp units, the water directed to the lamp units by one or more baffles positioned between the upper support plate and the lower support plate; and providing power to the microwave units to release microwave energy wherein the microwave energy excites the ultraviolet bulbs to emit ultraviolet radiation.

17. The method of water disinfection of claim 16, further comprising cooling the one or more lamp units by directing the cold air feed from the common upper air box to a cylindrical air pipe positioned between the upper support plate and the lower support plate.

18. The method of water disinfection of claim 17, further comprising delivering the directed cold air feed to the lower air box.

19. The method of water disinfection of claim 18, further comprising re-directing the cold air feed delivered to the lower air box to the common upper air box through a quartz sleeve enclosing the ultraviolet bulbs.

20. The method of water disinfection of claim 19, further comprising expelling the re-directed cold air feed from the common upper air box through an exhaust vent provided on the upper surface of the upper support plate.